Comment on DOD-2011-HA-0085-0001

As a primary care physician at the Providence VA Medical Center and an addiction medicine expert, I give the strongest possible support to the proposed change in TRICARE coverage for the treatment of opioid use disorders. Although I object to the term “addictive drug” in the regulation, I understand that the stigmatization of maintenance pharmacotherapy for opioid use disorders stems from an ideological concern about ongoing opioid dependence. The fact of the matter is that the clinical science supporting the effectiveness of maintenance pharmacotherapy for opioid use disorders is among the most voluminous, rigorous and consistent in all of medical practice. Methadone and buprenorphine save lives. I applaud the DOD’s decision to provide our nation's service members with the highest quality, evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorders.